Looking for some Travel Tips (Asean Area)

Mattchew

Group of six of us going travelling around the world, but starting in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Bali, Kuala Lumpar - although we've done our own research in to stuff to do while we're there, we're keen to get people views on the best sites to see, or activities to take part in. Also any tips on how to travel, or where to stay etc...

Thanks

richardw

Be careful with Bangkok Airways high fares on some routes, look at https://www.airasia.com flights for short haul trips.

Don't spend too much time in Bangkok, it can be done in 3 nights.

Allow plenty of time for the temples at Siem Reap, an amazing place.

The coach service between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh is Ok, but book in advance.

Stay near the river in Phnom Penh.

Doshwaster

As above, let Air Asia be your guide. They are a fantastic airline (who put the likes of Ryanair and Easyjet to shame) with very low prices and an extensive network. Long distance buses and trains are also good value, especially in Malaysia, if you aren't in such a rush to get around.

In terms of hotels, the beauty of SE Asia is that you can spend as little or as much as you want. Anything from £5 to several hundred per night. It really depends on your taste and budget. If you are on a long trip it's still nice to treat yourself to a good hotel once in a while.

My favourite guides

http://www.sawadee.com/ for Thailand. "Sawadee" is Thai for welcome

http://www.asiawebdirect.com/ has sections for each Asian country and city.

Bangkok is worth 3 days but probably no more than that. It's a crazy 24 hour city but you will soon be desperate to escape the noise and pollution.

Elsewhere in Thailand, Phuket and Koh Samui are the main tourist resorts. Expensive by Thai standards but they can be a lot of fun (of whatever kind floats your boat) but there are lots of other beach areas which are much cheaper and quieter.

In the north, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are both essential stops. Although they are getting busier, they are off the main package tourist trail and mostly visited by independent travellers.

In Malaysia, KL is OK for a day or two but only as a stopoff on the way to somewhere else. Chinatown and the night markets are fun but during the day I found myself wandering around huge shopping malls.

Penang is a fascinating island. The capital Georgetown is a great mix of Malay, Thai, Indian, Chinese and Imperial influences and has some of the best food in the world. Beaches aren't great though.

Langkawi - a very relaxing island where nothing ever happens. Spectacular scenery and superb beaches.

See this long thread about Malaysia ideas: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2953372

Wherever you go, the best part of SE Asia is the food. Try everything and don't be afraid of street food - it's often the best you can find and costs pennies.

And a word of warning about the weather. It will rain. A lot. There are two seasons: the rainy season and the really rainy season but as long as you avoid the worst months (which vary by region) it is unlikely that you will have a total washout. The best way to cope is just be prepared for it and enjoy the spectacle of a downpour when it happens. They are spectacular things but are usually quite short. The people who hate SE Asia are the ones who expect 2 weeks of unbroken sunshine. If you want that then go to Egypt or Dubai.

I love SE Asia, I go for at least 2 weeks every year. I just wish I had the time (and money!) to do such a long trip.

Mattchew

Thanks for your advice above both :-) very informative

If anyone has other great places to visit or other info place dont hesitate to comment

Thanks again

Bob_the_Saver

Look at https://www.tunehotels.com

lovesgshp

Do not know what age your party is, but these are some ideas.
Thailand: Bangkok, you only need a few days, try the restaurants over the river from the Oriental hotel. Koh Samui/ Phuket are tourist traps (off Phuket island, worth driving down the coast towards Malaysia as good reasonably priced hotels ). Chiang Rai is better than Mai, plus if you hire a car, you can go to the Burmese and Laos border crossing.
Vietnam: Saigon is good, worthwhile getting some cyclo type taxis (try and use the same ones for a few days if possible. Ours took us to local restaurants, really cheap and good food, plus walked behind us in markets to make sure we were not pickpocketed.(Be carefull on unlit streets at night!! Spend a few days on the coast if you have the time.
Usually if you book days out from a hotel, there is a "minder" in the car, so you cannot deviate from the original route plan. This may have changed from a few years ago though.
Will post again soon on Malaysia and Cambodia.

p.s. Usual currency in Vietnam is US Dollar, but they usually will not take torn or dirty old ones.

Miró

A few random thoughts after 'doing' Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam last year.....

To see/do/visit:-

Temple complex at Angkor Wat a must (allow a couple of days, it's huge, Ta Prohm is memorable)

Boat trip on Tonle Sap lake

Mekong Delta River trip - cruise down the river Mekong from Cambodia into Vietnam.... try Elephant Ear Fish only found in Mekong Delta...also visit Cai Rang floating market

Cu Chi tunnels, Ben Than market and the War Museum in Saigon

Tual Sleng Museum, (S-21), and The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek in Phnom Penh....praps not for the squeamish but, (for me), a very profound and moving experience. Also, dinner in the Foreign Corresponents Club.

Have a great time....:)

Doshwaster

Mattchew wrote: »

Thanks for your advice above both :-) very informative

If anyone has other great places to visit or other info place dont hesitate to comment

Thanks again

It really depends on what you want to do - culture, relaxation, partying or a mixture. There's something for all interests and all budgets.

lovesgshp

Mir! wrote: »

A few random thoughts after 'doing' Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam last year.....

To see/do/visit:-

Temple complex at Angkor Wat a must (allow a couple of days, it's huge, Ta Prohm is memorable)
Also Koh Ker is good and not so touristy. To see a good deal of Angkhor better to spend min 4 days with a local tuk-tuk driver.
http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=koh+ker&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=hjG&sa=G&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&channel=s&biw=1052&bih=560&prmd=ivns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&ei=Qmv7TcDODoTJswaprKT0Dw&ved=0CDQQsAQ

Boat trip on Tonle Sap lake
Not tried it

Mekong Delta River trip - cruise down the river Mekong from Cambodia into Vietnam.... try Elephant Ear Fish only found in Mekong Delta...also visit Cai Rang floating market
Not tried.

Cu Chi tunnels, Ben Than market and the War Museum in Saigon
Tunnels not for the claustrophobic!!! Market and museum worth a trip. Some of the museum exhibits are not for the squemish.

Tual Sleng Museum, (S-21), and The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek in Phnom Penh....praps not for the squeamish but, (for me), a very profound and moving experience. Also, dinner in the Foreign Corresponents Club.
As above, worthwhile visiting to see the hell that these people went through. FC club good for a drink ........ G&T!!
PP, some good restaurants over the bridge

Have a great time....:)

Have a good holiday

jamsandwiches

If you are staying in HCMC Vietnam you can't go far wrong staying at Bich Duyen Hotel - it is in District 1 which is the back packing area. We have recently stayed there - costs about £16.50 for a double room with breakfast. You can book via the internet and they will send a taxi to the Airport for you so you do not have the hassle outside the terminal and they charge the regular price. These are the reviews.

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g293925-d646306-Reviews-Bich_Duyen_Hotel-Ho_Chi_Minh_City.html

We also stayed in Nha Trang - if you like the beach this is the place to stay.

Mattchew

All

Thank you so much for all your help and guidance - We have already taken this information onboard and have used the sites recommended – A great help!

Although we are keen to ‘do it our selves’ I personally am very keen to take your views on our route and timescales we have to visit the places planned – With this in mind please also could you include the 'Must' see places we are travelling too.

Route -

November 9th London > Bangkok - (we have decided to stay for 3/4 days as everyone seems to think this is more than enough time to see the wonders of Bangkok) I have checked out a number of hotels and have been advised to stay close to Khao San Road and have had the Viengtai Hotel recommended to us –

· Any thoughts?
· Has anyone stayed there?
· Is there better places to stay for location, price and comfort?

We then have 43 days to travel and explore – Laos, Vietnam and on to Cambodia before our next fixed booking in Koh Phangan -

· Is this enough time?
· Has anyone done this route before?
· What is the best way to travel?
· If you were doing this route where are the key places to stop?

24th December - We have booked for 10 days a very nice villa in Koh Phangan and intend to attend the Full Moon parties Christmas / New years -

· Best way to travel to and from the party?
· Do’s and Don’ts?
· Best things to do in Koh Phangan?

Next we have 42 days to travel and explore Thailand before our next fixed booking in Phuket –

· Any thoughts on other destinations other than Koh Samui and Phi Phi?
· How far north should we travel?
· Is the train the best form of transport?

Next a Luxury 6 day break in Bali J before flying back to Kuala Lumpur

· What’s to do and see in Bali?

We are yet to book the next leg of the journey (Kuala Lumpur to New Zealand) as have the option of 16 days to see a bit of Malaysia or could stay 28 days and explore further as we have heard Malaysia is amazing

· What would you suggest?

Apologies for the monster long email but it’s a monster trip lol and thanks in advance J